Congregational Care Ministries

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Congregational Care Ministries

Deacon Ministry

The deacons of Knox Presbyterian Church, answering the call of Christ, seek to reach out with hands and heart, ministering with love to welcome, encourage, comfort and uplift the people of this community of faith. According to the Book of Order, “It is the duty of deacons to minister to those who are in need -- to the sick, to the friendless and to any who may be in distress.” To answer this calling, the deacons commit themselves to prayer and service in caregiving, train themselves in the skills of caregiving and build support and teamwork among the deacons to better minister to the people of Knox. To see who our deacons are - click HERE.

Stephen Ministers

Stephen Ministry is a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing a transition in their lives both in our congregation and community. Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who receive 50 hours of training in listening skills and concepts and are commissioned. Stephen Ministers preserve the confidential nature of the caring relationship, and help in a variety of ways, including supporting hospitalized or terminally ill people, homebound or disabled people, and those grieving a death or a serious loss. Knox is proud to sponsor such a valued ministry.  Are you interested in becoming a part of a ministry team of listening, Christ-centered counseling? Contact Rev. Cindy (630-615-4308) or Rev. Deb (630-615-4306) for more information.

Pastoral Visits

Whether celebrating the birth of a child, suffering a disabling injury or facing a serious illness, a pastoral visit at one's home or the hospital can be an uplifting experience. Our ministers regularly visit those in need, lifting them up in prayer, offering fellowship and support, and sharing the Lord's Supper.

Bereavement Workshop

Knox offers an 8-week Bereavement Workshop on Thursday evenings to all who have lost a loved one in the past three years. We use materials from Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and serveral handouts, as well as a video entitled "Working Through Your Grief."  One of our Stephen Ministers co-leads the sessions along with our Associate Pastor, Cindy Karis. This support group offers a meaningful opportunity to move toward healing and wholeness. Please contact Rev. Cindy Karis if you would like to attend.

Prayer Ministries

Knox offers regular weekly prayer opportunities as well as special prayer events throughout the year:

  • Every Sunday after the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services in the chapel
  • 4th Saturdays we meet at 5 p.m. to pray with mission teams prior to their serving at Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora

 If you have a specific prayer request or wish to speak with a pastor, please 

  • Call the church office at 630-355-8181--select 0.  This is a confidential line.
  • Email a prayer request to  
  • To receive a list of prayer concerns, you may pick up the list in the commons as you enter the sanctuary.

Congregational Care Team

The Congregational Care Team ministers to individuals or couples, and their families, who are home-bound or in a care facility. We are the liaison between these members and their church family.  We visit with them regularly and share what is going on in the church.  The Congregational Care Team also shares scripture, devotionals, stories, remembrances and other activities, so that our members continue to remain connected to their church community.  Communion is regularly provided by our pastors, accompanied by Congregational Care Team members or past or present elders. 

Presbytery Relations

Presbytery Relations assists in coordinating communication and elder commissioner participation in Chicago Presbytery meetings.  Knox is represented with 9 voting elders as part of the  the Presbyterian Church (USA). Commissioners made up of ordained elders and pastors from Knox who attend the local Presbytery assembly meetings.  They are involved in local and global issues that shape mission and the Presbyterian Church worldwide.

SHIP

The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a free counseling service for people with Medicare questions and their caregivers.  SHIP is sponsored by the Illinois Department on Aging. This service, offered statewide, is available to people of all ages with questions regarding Medicare.  

Knox Presbyterian Church is proud to be one of only three locations in the Naperville area to sponsor support for SHIP. Support is available via phone or in person.

You can be connected with our volunteer Ship Counselor, Suzanne Harris, by contacting the Knox Office at: 630-355-8181.  More details are also available click Here.

Lean on Me: Teen Care Ministry

Lean on Me: Teen Care Ministry is about loving each other because Christ first loved us. This ministry provides Christian care to Knox youth from 8th Grade through Senior year on an as-needed basis. Under the guidance of clergy and trained supportive adults, carefully selected and trained teens come alongside their peers in times of emotional and spiritual need.  This is a confidential ministry, similar to the Stephen Ministry program, but with teens caring for teens. Teen care givers are trained to build relationships, to welcome others, to be supportive listeners, and to affirm their peers in need.  If you have any questions, please contact Rene De Coning or David Newby.

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